WHEREAS, Doris Miller, an African-American born and raised
in Waco, Texas, enlisted in the United States Navy in
September 1939 and was serving on the USS West Virginia as a
Mess Attendant, second class, during the attack on Pearl
Harbor on December 7, 1941; and

WHEREAS, during that attack Miller distinguished himself
above others by aiding wounded fellow sailors and the
mortally wounded Captain of the ship, and manned a 50-caliber Browning anti-aircraft machine gun, returning fire
to protect the ship and his shipmates until ammunition was
depleted and he was ordered to abandon ship; and

WHEREAS, on May 27, 1942 Doris Miller received the Navy
Cross and is entitled to receive the Purple Heart Medal; the
American Defense Service Medal, Fleet Clasp; the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal; and the World War II Victory Medal;
and

WHEREAS, now pending in Congress is legislation (H.R.1994)
which now would enable the President and the Congress to
award Doris Miller the Congressional Medal of Honor
posthumously in recognition of his heroism,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of
Mayors urges Congress to pass this legislation so that Doris
Miller can finally receive the recognition he deserves for
the remarkable personal bravery he displayed during the
attack on his ship.